As Education Coordinator for the Austin Referral Alliance,I am starting a series of blog posts about personal and business improvement. They are not exactly real estate, but why not also post them here?

​The place to start? Morning.

The 3 C’s:Control the things you can control.Cope with those you cannot control.Cherish what matters most.

Craig Ballantyne assigns these to morning, afternoon, and evening respectively.

Morning is time to focus on things you control. Focus meaning avoiding interruptions like phone and email.

Brian Tracy emphasizes reading and studying in your field every morning before hitting the day. He also advocates hand-writing your goals from memory first thing.

I also like quiet time to read the bible and pray.

You might take these ideas and combine them to design your perfect morning routine. By deciding how you will start your day, you are taking control early. The day has at least begun on the path you choose.

Wake up at the same time. Follow your routine. The one you choose - not me. But base the routine on your highest goals.

If this improves your day just 1/10 of 1 percent each day and build upon each day’s improvement, you’ll be 1% better every 2 weeks and 25% better every year.

The chaos of the day will come. With a controlled start, reminder of your goals and what is important every morning, you’ll be better positioned to prioritize what you deal with throughout your day.

Your evening should be time to relax and appreciate those people and activities that really matter to you.

Central Texas homes have exposed slab foundations. The reason a few inches (at least) of the slab is visible is not because we thing concrete looks good. It is to make sure one can see termite tubes like the one pictured above.If you notice a line of dirt or hardened mud like this, chances are termites are using the tube to enter your house.I have seen more made of lighter color dirt but assume they will use whatever dirt is available.Termites stay out of the light. The tubes provide darkness.Sometimes you will find a fire any mound along your home's foundation. Carefully scrape away the mound. You might find a termite tube hidden inside. I hear they like to use the fire ants as defense. And their tube protects then from the ants.Keep your grass and much low enough to watch for termites. Make sure shrubs and decks don't block your view. Walk around and check at least a few times a year.If you see a tube, call a termite treatment / pest control company.Or call me for specific advice.John